We’re bursting with pride to announce that our Managing Director, Paula Hansen, has been recognised as the Accessible Travel Champion at the inaugural Travel for Everybody Awards 2025.
Paula was genuinely gobsmacked when her name was called and for those who know her, you’ll appreciate what an achievement it is to leave her speechless! But this award represents so much more than individual recognition. It’s a testament to the tireless work our entire team puts in every single day to fight discrimination in the travel sector and ensure that accessible travel becomes a fundamental right, not an afterthought.
Paula was quick to share the honour with the whole World Accessible Holidays family. Working alongside Steve Hansen and Jasmine West, she’s built a business that doesn’t just book holidays, we champion change, challenge barriers, and create opportunities for disabled travellers to explore the world with confidence and dignity.
“This wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team,” Paula said after receiving the award. “We all work tirelessly to fight against discrimination in the travel sector, and this recognition shows that our efforts are making a real difference.”
We’re incredibly fortunate to work with industry partners who truly understand the importance of accessibility and collaborate with us to make travel easier for our customers. Paula gave special thanks to: easyJet holidays and British Airways for making our lives and those of our customers so much easier. These partnerships aren’t just business relationships, they’re genuine collaborations with companies who share our vision of travel for everybody.
Huge credit goes to Selling Travel magazine for hosting the first awards ceremony purely dedicated to recognising the accessible travel sector. It’s a significant milestone that highlights how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go.
Paula had the opportunity to meet incredible people and companies who are all working towards the same goal and the energy and passion in that room was electric, it’s inspiring to know we’re part of such a dedicated community.
For us at World Accessible Holidays, this award isn’t just about recognition, it’s validation that what we’re doing matters. Every time we secure an accessible room with a pool hoist, every time we coordinate specialist equipment, every time we provide our 24/7 support to a family on holiday, we’re breaking down barriers and proving that disabled travellers deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.
Paula’s personal experience with fibromyalgia, combined with our family’s journey through accessible travel, drives everything we do. We understand the challenges because we live them. We know the frustration of inaccessible hotels, the anxiety of unreliable equipment, and the disappointment of broken promises. That’s why we’re so committed to getting it right.
This award energises us to keep pushing forward. We’re continuing to expand our portfolio of verified accessible properties, strengthen our partnerships with airlines and hotels, and develop new services that make accessible travel easier and more enjoyable.
To every customer who’s trusted us with their holiday, every partner who’s worked with us to improve accessibility, and every team member who’s gone above and beyond, thank you. This award belongs to all of us.
Here’s to continuing the fight for truly accessible travel for everyone.
Congratulations Paula, we couldn’t be prouder!
World Accessible Holidays specialises in creating unforgettable accessible holidays for disabled travellers and their families. With 24/7 support, verified accessible accommodation, and expert knowledge, we’re here to make your travel dreams a reality. Contact us today to start planning your next adventure.
